Attitudes and practices of fishermen towards sustainable fisheries management in Lake Kyoga: A case study of Kagwara Landing site

Abstract

Lake Kyoga plays a vital role in Uganda’s fisheries sector, supporting food security, economic livelihoods, and biodiversity. However, conservation challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and illegal fishing practices threaten its sustainability. Understanding the attitudes of fishing communities towards conservation measures is essential for effective fisheries management. This study assessed the perceptions, compliance behaviors, and influencing factors among fishermen at Kagwara Landing Site, the largest fishing hub on Lake Kyoga in Teso Sub-Region. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and direct observations. A total of 297 fishermen participated in the survey. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were applied during the study. Results indicate that while some fishermen recognize the ecological benefits of conservation measures, a significant proportion perceive them as unfairly enforced, restrictive to their livelihoods, or difficult to comply with. Gear regulations (52%) and licensing requirements (24%) were the most disliked measures, primarily due to economic hardships and enforcement inconsistencies. Economic constraints (41%) and corruption (23%) emerged as the leading factors influencing non-compliance. The study findings further evidenced continuous use of illegal fishing gears and fishing of undersize fish (79%) at Kagawara Landing Site on Lake Kyoga. Despite resistance, 60% of respondents acknowledged improvements in fish stocks due to conservation efforts. The study highlights the necessity of integrating community concerns into conservation policies, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and promoting alternative livelihoods to improve compliance. A participatory approach, involving local stakeholders in policy design and implementation, is crucial for fostering sustainable fisheries management in Lake Kyoga. These findings provide policymakers with data-driven insights to enhance conservation strategies while ensuring the socio-economic well-being of fishing communities.